Gable top containers

ABSTRACT

Snap-action score lines in each roof panel and downwardly extending reckoned lines of severance improve the opening characteristics of gable top containers.

United States Patent Inventor Ernest L. Smith Kansas City, Mo. Appl. No. 832,258 Filed June 11, 1969 Patented Feb. 9, 1971 Assignee Phillips Petroleum Company a corporation of Delaware GABLE TOP CONTAINERS 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 229/17, 229/ 3 7 Int. Cl B65d 5/02, B65d 5/72, B65d 17/00 Field ofSearch 229/17, 37

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,348,755 10/1967 MacEwen 229/17G 3,355,083 11/1967 Wilcox 229/17G Primary Examiner-David M. Bockenek AttorneyYoung and Quigg ABSTRACT: Snap-action score lines in each roof panel and downwardly extending reckoned lines of severanceimprove the opening characteristics of gable top containers.

PATENTEI] FEB 9I97l 3.661.666

SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTOR. E. L. SM T H A Tron/vars PATENTEDFEB 9|9n 3.561.665

sum 2 or 3 INVENTOR. E.L.SMIT H A TTORNE VS PATENTED FEB 919w SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG. 4

INVENTOR.

E.L.SM|TH f BY F W A T TORNEVS 1 GABLE To? CONTAINERS This invention relates to'blanks for forming gable top containers and the resulting containers. In another aspect, this invention relates to an improved snap-action score line and weakened line of severance configuration for end-open gable top containers. The invention is particularly applicable to gable top containers of rectangular cross section formed from a paperboard blank coated on one'or both sides with a thermoplastic material. These containers are commonly used in the dairy industry for packaging milk, orange juice, lemonade, and the like. The gable top closure structure consists generally of opposed front and rear roof panels inclined to make the gable formation, and a pair of triangular-shaped end closure panels inclined upwardly between the front and rear roof panels. These end closure panels have integral foldback panels that assume a position lying against the underside of the front and rear roof panels. The foldback panels, and the front and rear roof panels, are formedwith integral ridge panels, which become disposed in vertical contacting relation and are joined together by some form of adhesive, usually by abonding of the thermoplastic coating, to form the ridge of the gable top.

In the past, numerous configurations have been proposed for the paperboard gable top containers. Patent No. 3,348,755

is an example of an excellent snap-action container. We have discovered, however, that the container described in the above patent can be significantly improved by the addition of the score lines and weakened lines of severance of this invention. This invention is equally applicable to end open snap-action containers of other configurations in order to provide containers which open with greater ease and efficiency.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved snap-action scoreline and weakened line of severance configuration for gable top containers. Another object of this invention is to provide a snap-action container which opens with greater ease and efficiency. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a study of the specification, the drawing, and the appended claims to the invention.

In the drawing, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container embodying the invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the paperboard blank from which the container of FIG. 1 is formed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gable top structure in partial cross section in a partially opened condition, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gable top structure in partial cross section in an advanced open condition, and FIG. 5 is aperspective view of the gable top structure in the fully opened condition after the tape has been removed.

Referring to FIG. 2, the rectangular blank is provided with vertical score lines l2, 13, 14, and 15, extending upwardly from the lower paperboard of the blank to a series 16 of horizontal extending score lines l6a, l6b, 16c, 16d, and Me. The score lines 13, 14, and 16b define a front sidewall panel 17. Score lines and 16d, and 12 and 16a, define panels 18 and 19, the free edges of which, in the formed container, are overlapped and joined by a permanent adhesive bond to. form a rear sidewall panel which is located opposite front side panel 17. End wall panels 21 and 22 are defined by score lines l2, l3 and 16a and 14, I5, and 16c, respectively. Horizontal score lines 16a and 160 are located lower on the container than score lines 16b, 16d, and l6e to substantially reduce the thickness of the folds adjacent lower corners of the closure panels. In other words, the spacing part in the vertical plane of the bend of each roof panel into its vertical container wall from the bend of each end closure panel into its vertical container wall permits smaller and more attractive folds in the resulting corners of the container. With the scoring arrange- I ments shown in FIG. 2, the panels 17, 21, 22, and the rear wall panel formed by panels 18 and 19 are all of equal width.

The vertical score lines 12, 13, 14, and 15, which are located at the vertical corners of the completed container, extend upwardly past score lines 16 as at 23, 24, 25, and 26, and tenninate at the top edge of the blank. Horizontal score line 27 is located a short distance downwardly from the top edge of the blank.

When the blank has been folded to tubular form and overlapping edges of the panels 18 and 19 have been joined together, a bottom closure 20 is permanently sealed to the lower ends of the tubular formation. Score lines 24, 25, 16b and 27 define the front roof closure panel 28. Score lines 24. 25, and 27 define the ridge panel 29, surmounting the front roof panel 28. Score lines 23, 26, 16d, 16c and 27 define the rear roof closure panel comprised of sections 31 and '32. Score lines 26,23, and 27 define the ridge panel, comprising sections 33 and 34, surmounting the rear roof panel. Score lines 25, 26, 16c and 27 define a first rectangular end closure panel. This first end closure panel is provided with converging score lines 44 and 45, which at their upper ends, intersect score line 27 medial of score lines 25 and 26, thus defining a first triangular end closure panel portion 46 and a pair of'first triangular foldback panels 47 and 48. Score lines 23, 24, 16a and 27 define a second rectangular end closure panel. This end closure panel is provided with converging score lines 35 and 36 which at their upper ends intersect the score line 27 medial of score lines 23 and 24, thus defining a second triangular end closure panel portion 37 and a pair of second triangular foldback panel portions 38 and 39. Score lines 23, 24, 27, and 41 define ridge panels42 and 43, surmounting second foldback panel portions 38 and 39, respectively. Score lines 25, 49, 26 and 27 define ridge panels-51 and 52, surmounting the first foldback panel portions 47 and 48, respectively. In the completed container, the pair of opposed roof panels 28 and 31, 32are inclined toward each other and overlie the top of the tubular body formed by sidewalls 17, 21, 22 and 18, 19. The pair of second opposed triangular end closure panels 37 and 46 are infolded between roof panels 28 and 31, 32 from the opposite gable ends formed-by the latter, and with their apexes located at the central area of the gable. The fold lines 44, 45, 35, and 36 which join each pair of first and second triangular foldback panels 47, 48 and 38, 39 to the opposite sides of first and second triangular end closure panels 46 and 37 are in proximity with the roof panels, the foldback panels being folded against the underside of said roof panels. Ridge panels 51 and 52 surmounting the first foldback panels 47 and 48 are hinged together at the apex of the first end closure 7 panel 46 and are folded about the hinge joinder score line 49 in face-to-face relation, between the ridge panels 29 and 33 surmounting the roof panels. Similarly, ridge panels 42 and 43 surmounting foldback panels 38 and 39 are hinged together at the apex of the second end closure panel 37 and are folded about the hinge joinder score line 41 in face-to-face relation, between ridge panels 29 and 34. The ridge panels are heated to form a bond between the contacting thermoplastic coating to form the ridge structure of the gable to'p.

Score lines 23, 24, 25 and 26 are of extended width, with respect to the remainder of score lines l2, l3, l4 and 15, with the extension being in a direction toward the center of the respective roof panel. Thus, score lines 24 and 25 are of extended width in the direction of the center of the front roof panel 28, while score lines 23 and 26 are of extended width in a direction toward the center of the roof panel formed by panels 31 and 32.

When the blank of FIG. 2 is folded on the score lines 12, l3, l4 and 15, about the square mandrel of the container erecting machine, the closure panels above the series or score lines 16 form a square tubular cross section in a direction traversely of the container. When the top closure panels are folded inwardly, the greater width of the score lines 23, 24, 25 and 26 provides extra material for the end closure panels 46, 47 48 and 37, 38, 39 and surmounting ridge panels 51, 52 and 42, 43, whereby in the formed and sealed container, ridge panels 43 and 51 have a greater combined length than ridge panel 29 surmounting the front roof panel 28. Similarly, ridge panels 52 and 42 have a greater combined length in the formed and sealed container than the ridge panel formed by panels 33, 34 surrounding the rear roof panels 31, 32. This, in turn, results in the hinge joint of score lines 41 and 49 abutting or slightly formed by bonding the rib panels together.

In the first end closure panel, which serves as the pouring spout, converging score lines 44 and 45 intersect horizontal score line 27 midway between the score lines and 26. Vertical score line 49 extends upwardly from the intersection of score lines 44 and 35 to the top edge of the blank. The first weakened line of severance 60 is located in the upper part of panel portions 47, 46 and 48 preferably below horizontal score line 27. The first weakened line of severance 60 would intersect score line 44 and 45 at points below the junction of score lines 44 and 45 except that score lines Q4 and 45 are discontinuous, or interrupted, in the area of the weakened line of severance so. Score lines 44 and 45 stop short of lines 60 to prevent leakage which could otherwise occur by capillary action through the slit and along the score lines. Eliminating all score line grooves in the vicinity of the line 60 provides a flat surface completely around the periphery of the slit, thus permitting a liquidtight seal to be effected between the tape 61 and the container. The weakened line of severance sections 69a and 69b are preferably formed by a series of zigzag incisions and the center section 600 being formed by a straight, horizontal incision center section 600 extends completely across panel as and preferably extends into panels 47 and 48. Second 66d and third 69c weakened lines of severance are located in the upper portion of their respective panel portions 47 and The second weakened line of severance 60d begins at the end of the first weakened line of severance located in panel 47 and extends downwardly a distance toward the edge of its respective roof panel. The third weakened line of severance title begins at the end of the first weakened line of severance located in panel 48 and extends downwardly a distance toward the edge of its respective roof panel. It is preferred that the second and third weakened lines of severance 60d, 60e terminate at a spaced distance from the score line of their respective roof panel to assure liquidtight sealing. The straight center section 60c provides for easier separation of the pouring spout section of the first end panel 46, 47, 48 from the upper portion thereof above severance line 6%. This is particularly important in view of the large amount of paperboard in the relatively small area of the triangle formed by lines 4 45 and Me, as well as the fold lines formed in this area by the fabrication of the central laminar ridge and subsequent opening and closing of the pouring spout. Considering the weakened lines of severance 60a, 60b, and 680 as one line, since said line can be formed without zigzag incision sections 60a, 60b, then the second and third weakened lines of severance 60d, 6% of this invention become the terminal ends of said severance line 60. The downwardly directed portions of the severance line, 690., oile, remove stresses from their respective panel portions 47 and 43. By removing these stresses, the spout formed by panels 46, 4-7, 48 is urged toward an open position as panels 47 and 48 are folded backwardly during opening operations.

A strip of tape 61 is bonded to the second end closure panel in overlying relation to the weakened line of severance 60. The tape 61 is applied over the weakened line of severance 60 and heat sealed to the entire marginal surface about the weakened line of severance. The tape 63 can be formed of thermoplastic material or it can be a nonthermoplastic material provided with a coating of thermoplastic material compatible and heat-scalable to the thermoplastic coating on the container. it is presently preferred that the nonthermoplastic material have a heat reflective outer surface to prevent any weakening of the bond between tape 61 and the container during the time the top section of the container is being suhjected to heat in preparation for sealing the ridge panels to form the central laminar ridge. The ends 62 of tape o1 extend beyond the ends of the second end closure panel to provide grasping tabs.

This strip of tape 61 can be eliminated in containers wherein there is no weakened line of severance 60, score lines 34 and 45 extend upwardly to the upper edge of the rectangular panel comprising panel portions 46, 47, and 48, and the pouring spout is opened by separation of panel portions 46, 4-7 and 4553 from their respective restricting ridge panels 51, 52.

In order to provide a snap action for opening and closing the pouring spout, the front roof panel 28 is provided with score lines 71 and 72, extending upwardly from the intersection of horizontal score lines 16b and vertical score line 25 to a point on score line 27 midway between vertical score lines 241 and 25. Score line 71 is preferably formed in three sections 71a. 71b and 71c. Score line 72 is preferably formed in three sections 72a, 72b and 720. Straight line sections 71b and 72b are substantially parallel to an imaginary line 73 between the point on score line 27 midway between score lines 24 and 25 and the intersection of score lines 16b and 25. Imaginary line 73 closely approximates the plane of the first triangular end closure panel 46 in the infolded, sealed condition. If sidewalls 17 and 18, 19 were of greater width than walls 21 and 22, score line sections 71a and 72a would intersect score line 27 at or closely adjacent to the intersection of imaginary line 73 and score line 27, or in other words, at or closely adjacent to the intersection of score line 27 with the plane of panel 46 in the infolded, sealed condition of the container. Score section 72b is positioned in roof panel 28 above the imaginary line 73 while score section 71b is positioned in roof panel 28 below imaginary line 73. Score sections 71c and 720 extend from the lower ends of score sections 71b and 72b, respectively, to converge together at :the intersection of score line 16b and 25. Score sections 71a and 72a extend from the upper ends of score sections 71b and 72b, respectively, to the point on score line 27 midway between score lines 24 and 25. The rear roof panel 31, 32 is provided with score lines 74 and 75, corresponding to score lines 71 and 72, respectively, comprising score sections 74a. 74b, 74c and 75a, 75b, 750, respectively.

It has been discovered that by adding additional score lines and 81 to their respective roof panels 28, 31, the triangular end panel 46 of the spout will pop out with improved snap action and reduced pressure. Each score line 80, 81 is formed of two score lines 80a, 80b or 81a, 81b, respectively, with each two score line pairs beginning at a common location. Each first and second score lines 80a, 80b or 81a, 81b begin at a point located on its respective roof panel 28 or 31 spaced from the edge of said roof panel and spaced, preferably an equal distance, from the ridge panel and the respective-sidewall 17 or 18 of the container. Each portion 80a, 81a of the first and second score line 80, 81 extends from its beginning point a distance upwardly toward the juncture of its respective roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel, and its respective ridge panel. Each portion 80b, 81b of the first and second score lines 80, 81 extends from its beginning point a distance downwardly toward the juncture of its respective roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel and its respective sidewall. These score lines 80, 81 slightly weaken the edge of the roof panels, adjacent its respective triangular end panels 47, 48, relative to said end panels. Pressure exerted on the juncture of the roof panels and the first triangular end panels 47, 48 during opening operations first causes the roof panels to slightly bend, thereby causing substantially all of the opening pressure to be exerted on the relatively more rigid triangular end panels 47, 48. This opening pressure urges the triangular sections 46, 47, 48 outwardly from the container thereby forming the spout. The pressure required to open said spout is thereby significantly reduced and the snap action of said container is improved.

The container of FIG. 1 can be opened by applying outward pressure against thefoldback panels 47 and 48 to cause a separation of the bond between adjacent outer faces of ridge panels 51 and 52. The container at this stage is illustrated in FIG. 3. Roof panels 28 and 31, 32 have broken along score lines 71 and 74, respectively. Pressure can then be applied against panels 47, 51, and 48, 52 to move these panels toward the container as shown in FIG. 4. This movement causes roof panels 28 and 31, 32 to break along score lines 72 and 75. Tape 61 is removed from the container to permit the lower portions of panels 423, 47 and 48 to separate from the upper portions thereof along the weakened line of severance so. Pressure can then be applied to the outer edges of panel 47, 51

and 48, 52 to move these panels further toward the container. During this movement, a point is reached at which panel 46 snaps from the recessed position below the plane containing score lines 72 and 75 to an open position above such plane. Subsequent release of the pressure against the outer edges of panels 47, 51 and 48, 52 permits these panels to assume the stable open position illustrated in FIG. 5. The container can then be closed by applying pressure against panel 46 to move it inwardly. At a point during such inward movement, panel 46 will experience the snap actionand be returned to its stable closed position, similar to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 except for the absence of tape 61.

While the invention has been illustrated with the presently preferred container employing weakened line of severance 60, it is applicable to other side-open containers which do not utilize a weakened line of severance or which provide the weakened line of severance in a different location.

Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims to the invention.

lclaim:

l. A gable top container of sheetmaterial comprising a tubular body having four sidewalls, a bottom closure, a pair of opposed roof panels inclining toward each other and overlying the top of said body, first and secondopposed triangular end closure panels enfolded between said roof panels from the opposite gable ends formed by the latter, first and second pairs of triangular foldback panels, each pair of triangular foldback panels being joined to the opposite sides of a respective one of said triangular end closure panels along fold lines which are in proximity with said roof panels, said foldback panels being folded against the underside of said roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said foldback panels, each pair of ridge panels surmounting a pair of foldback panels being hinged together at the apex of the contiguous end closure panel and being folded about such hinge joinder in face-to-face relation, between the ridge panels surmounting said roof panels, wherein the improvement comprises: first and second score lines located in each roof panel adjacent the first end closure panel, each first and second score line beginning at. a point located on its respective roof panel, overlying its respective triangular foldback panel, spaced from the edge of the roof panel, the ridge panel and the respective sidewall of the container, each first score line extending from its respective beginning point a distance upwardly toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel, and its respective ridge panel, and each second score line extending from its respective beginning point downwardly a distance toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel, and its respective sidewall.

2. A gable top container of sheet material comprising a tubular body having four sidewalls, a bottom closure fixed to said body, a pair of opposed roof panels inclining toward each other and overlying the top of said body, first and second opposed triangular end closure panels enfolded between said roof panels from the opposite gable ends formed by the latter, first and second pairs of triangular foldback panels, each pair of triangular foldback panels being joined to the opposite sides of a respective one of said triangular end closure panels along fold lines which are in proximity with said roof panels, said foldback panels being folded against the underside of aid roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said foldback panels, each pair of ridge panels surmounting a pair of foldback panels being hinged together at the apex of the contiguous end closure panel and being folded about such hinge joinder in faceto-face relation, between the ridge panels surmounting said roof panels, the first triangular end closure panel and its associated pair of first triangular foldback panels forming a first rectangular end closure panel having a weakened line of severance lying solely within the upper portion thereof below the respective surmounting ridge panels and extending transversely of said rectangular end closure panel and terminating point located on its respective roof panel, overlying its respective triangular foldback panel, spaced from the edge of the roof panel, and a distance from the ridge panel and the respective sidewall of the container, each first score line extending from its respective beginning point a distance upwardly toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective rectangular foldback panel, and its respective ridge panel, each second score line extending from its respective beginning point downwardly a distance toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel, and its respective sidewall.

3. A container, as set forth in claim 2, including second and third weakened lines of severance, each beginning from a separate end of said first weakened line of severance and extending downwardly a distance toward the edge of its respective roof panel.

4. A paperboard blank for forming a container of rectangular formation and having a gable top, said blank being formed with laterally spaced-apart score lines extending vertically from the lower to the upper edge of the blank, a score line extending traversely of the blank in downward spaced relation to the upper edge thereof, said latter score line, in conjunction with said vertically extending score lines, defining opposed front and rear sidewall panels and opposed end wall panels, a second transversely extending score line arranged intermediate the upper edge of said blank, and said first traversely extending score line and defining, in conjunction therewith. and with said vertically extending score lines, a front roof panel surmounting said front sidewall panel, a rear roof panel surmounting said rear sidewall panel, and an area surmounting each of said end wall panels, each of said areas being provided with converging score lines inclining upwardly from said first traverse score line to said second traverse score line and defin ing in each of said areas a first and second triangular end closure panel and a pair of triangular foldback panels hinged to the triangular end closure panel, said second traversely extending score line, in conjunction with said vertically extending score lines, defining ridge panels surmounting said front and rear roof panels and each pair of said foldback panels, the first triangular end closure panel and its associated pair of triangular foldback panels forming a rectangular end closure panel having a weakened line of severance lying solely within the upper portion thereof and extending traversely of said first rectangular end closure panel and terminating at its ends in spaced relation to the side edges of said rectangular end closure panel, wherein the improvement comprises: second and third weakened lines of severance, each beginning from a separate end of said first weakened line of severance and extending downwardly a distance.

5. A paperboard blank for forming a container of rectangular formation, as set forth in claim 4, including first and second score lines located in each roof panel adjacent the first rectangular end closure having the weakened lines of severance, each first and second score line beginning at a point located on its respective roof panel, overlying its respective triangular foldback panel when folded and sealed to form a gable top container, spaced from the edge of the roof panel, and a distance from the ridge panel and the respective sidewall of the roof panel, each first score line extending from its respective beginning point a distance upwardly and toward the roof panel edge, and each second score line extending from its respective beginning point downwardly and a distance toward its respective sidewall when folded and sealed to form a gable top container.

UNITED STATES PATRI'I' OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Ernest L. Smith Dated: Feb. 9 19 Patent No. ,5 1,665

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and th Letters Patent are hereby corrected as ahmm below:

Column 5, line 62, "aid" should read said Column 6, line 32, "transversely" should read traversely Signed and sealed this 18th day of May 1971 (SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. Attesting Officer Commissioner of Pat 

1. A gable top container of sheet material comprising a tubular body having four sidEwalls, a bottom closure, a pair of opposed roof panels inclining toward each other and overlying the top of said body, first and second opposed triangular end closure panels enfolded between said roof panels from the opposite gable ends formed by the latter, first and second pairs of triangular foldback panels, each pair of triangular foldback panels being joined to the opposite sides of a respective one of said triangular end closure panels along fold lines which are in proximity with said roof panels, said foldback panels being folded against the underside of said roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said foldback panels, each pair of ridge panels surmounting a pair of foldback panels being hinged together at the apex of the contiguous end closure panel and being folded about such hinge joinder in face-to-face relation, between the ridge panels surmounting said roof panels, wherein the improvement comprises: first and second score lines located in each roof panel adjacent the first end closure panel, each first and second score line beginning at a point located on its respective roof panel, overlying its respective triangular foldback panel, spaced from the edge of the roof panel, the ridge panel and the respective sidewall of the container, each first score line extending from its respective beginning point a distance upwardly toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel, and its respective ridge panel, and each second score line extending from its respective beginning point downwardly a distance toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback panel, and its respective sidewall.
 2. A gable top container of sheet material comprising a tubular body having four sidewalls, a bottom closure fixed to said body, a pair of opposed roof panels inclining toward each other and overlying the top of said body, first and second opposed triangular end closure panels enfolded between said roof panels from the opposite gable ends formed by the latter, first and second pairs of triangular foldback panels, each pair of triangular foldback panels being joined to the opposite sides of a respective one of said triangular end closure panels along fold lines which are in proximity with said roof panels, said foldback panels being folded against the underside of aid roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said roof panels, a ridge panel surmounting each of said foldback panels, each pair of ridge panels surmounting a pair of foldback panels being hinged together at the apex of the contiguous end closure panel and being folded about such hinge joinder in face-to-face relation, between the ridge panels surmounting said roof panels, the first triangular end closure panel and its associated pair of first triangular foldback panels forming a first rectangular end closure panel having a weakened line of severance lying solely within the upper portion thereof below the respective surmounting ridge panels and extending transversely of said rectangular end closure panel and terminating at its ends in spaced relation to the side edges of said rectangular end closure panel, wherein the improvement comprises: first and second score lines located in each roof panel adjacent the first rectangular end closure having a weakened line of severance, each first and second score line beginning at a point located on its respective roof panel, overlying its respective triangular foldback panel, spaced from the edge of the roof panel, and a distance from the ridge panel and the respective sidewall of the container, each first score line extending from its respective beginning point a distance upwardly toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective rectangular foldback panel, and its respective ridge panel, each second score line extending from its respective beginning point downwardly a distance toward the juncture of the roof panel edge, its respective triangular foldback Panel, and its respective sidewall.
 3. A container, as set forth in claim 2, including second and third weakened lines of severance, each beginning from a separate end of said first weakened line of severance and extending downwardly a distance toward the edge of its respective roof panel.
 4. A paperboard blank for forming a container of rectangular formation and having a gable top, said blank being formed with laterally spaced-apart score lines extending vertically from the lower to the upper edge of the blank, a score line extending traversely of the blank in downward spaced relation to the upper edge thereof, said latter score line, in conjunction with said vertically extending score lines, defining opposed front and rear sidewall panels and opposed end wall panels, a second transversely extending score line arranged intermediate the upper edge of said blank, and said first traversely extending score line and defining, in conjunction therewith, and with said vertically extending score lines, a front roof panel surmounting said front sidewall panel, a rear roof panel surmounting said rear sidewall panel, and an area surmounting each of said end wall panels, each of said areas being provided with converging score lines inclining upwardly from said first traverse score line to said second traverse score line and defining in each of said areas a first and second triangular end closure panel and a pair of triangular foldback panels hinged to the triangular end closure panel, said second traversely extending score line, in conjunction with said vertically extending score lines, defining ridge panels surmounting said front and rear roof panels and each pair of said foldback panels, the first triangular end closure panel and its associated pair of triangular foldback panels forming a rectangular end closure panel having a weakened line of severance lying solely within the upper portion thereof and extending traversely of said first rectangular end closure panel and terminating at its ends in spaced relation to the side edges of said rectangular end closure panel, wherein the improvement comprises: second and third weakened lines of severance, each beginning from a separate end of said first weakened line of severance and extending downwardly a distance.
 5. A paperboard blank for forming a container of rectangular formation, as set forth in claim 4, including first and second score lines located in each roof panel adjacent the first rectangular end closure having the weakened lines of severance, each first and second score line beginning at a point located on its respective roof panel, overlying its respective triangular foldback panel when folded and sealed to form a gable top container, spaced from the edge of the roof panel, and a distance from the ridge panel and the respective sidewall of the roof panel, each first score line extending from its respective beginning point a distance upwardly and toward the roof panel edge, and each second score line extending from its respective beginning point downwardly and a distance toward its respective sidewall when folded and sealed to form a gable top container. 